Holidays. Holidays. Holidays. Feeling stressed yet? Yeah, me too.
June 22, 2011, at the National Gallery of Art Sculpture Garden in Washington, D.C.
Good or bad, stress is stress no matter how you cut it. And December has stress to spare. So I’ve asked around for ideas to relieve stress and boost energy.
I’m familiar with the basics. Clear your schedule. Do what’s necessary and what you enjoy. Drop the extra busy-ness.
Pray. Spend time with people you like. Exercise and eat nutritious foods (okay, still working on those two). Play with your dog. Laugh.
Short of stealing away for a week at the spa, I was surprised to learn there’s more I can do. And it won’t cost me a dime:
1. Drink more water.
Both my massage therapist and my wellness coach friend Lisa Hautly recommend drinking more water. Helps flush out toxins and keep tissues hydrated.
2. Sleep.
Lisa says if you’re tired, go to bed. Epiphany, I know. Sleep is restorative. For most of us, it’s the only time our bodies and minds have to regenerate.
3. Remove your shoes.
A soccer mom friend who’s also a nurse said she’d read in a study you could reduce stress by simply taking off your shoes. Upon hearing this, our entire row of soccer moms flipped off our shoes on the sideline of the practice field. Ahhh.
fountain of youth
Water. Sleep. Bare feet. I can do that today. So can you.
Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Matthew 11:28 NIV
A Lifestyle and Weight Management Consultant and ACE Certified Personal Trainer, Lisa focuses on healthy living for busy souls in her wellness coaching and Ms. Moderation blog.
Proud to call her my friend, someday I hope to catch up with her on my bike.
Small suggestions that can make a big impact. And how about a few deep breaths, accompanied by the whisper of “thank you.”
Love it! Thanks, Stephanie!
Thanks for the Shout Out Aimee! A good reminder to make a few corrections that go a long way in relieving holiday madness.
(Note: Omitted fb, Words wFriends, laundry and holiday decorating last night for an extra 2 hours sleep.) Nothing to wear today, but I’m over it:)
My pleasure, Lisa! I went to bed early last night too. Have to walk the talk…
UGh, this first holiday season home has left me EXHAUSTED! It’s great to be around family and all, but a part of me is longing to be far, far away where there are less expectations of me!!!
So, I shall take a nap, drink a glass of water and continue not to wear my shoes all day today. Thanks babe. :D
You’re welcome, babe. Please give yourself some grace as you’re building a human being this Christmas season too :)
I already prefer to stay barefoot as much as possible, I’m working on the drinking more water bit, but getting more sleep is slightly more difficult – as much as I love sleeping. Why is it easier to sleep late and stay in bed longer when it’s just as simple to get to bed earlier and wake up earlier? Sigh!
I love the song you’ve shared today. It’s beautiful!
I agree. Getting more sleep is difficult for me too. It seems at the end of the day once my child is tucked in, I feel that’s when I have time to get to all the things I didn’t get done during the day. Inevitably, I work too late and miss those precious hours of rest. May have to instill a curfew on myself. Whatever it is, as my friend Corey says, “It’ll keep.”
I love kicking my shoes off every chance I get! Especially on long drives. I don’t wear them at home due to light-colored carpet, so I’m not accustomed to shoes.
Thanks for the de-stressing tips!
Small suggestions that can make a big impact. And how about a few deep breaths, accompanied by the whisper of “thank you.”
Love it! Thanks, Stephanie!
Thanks for the Shout Out Aimee! A good reminder to make a few corrections that go a long way in relieving holiday madness.
(Note: Omitted fb, Words wFriends, laundry and holiday decorating last night for an extra 2 hours sleep.) Nothing to wear today, but I’m over it:)
My pleasure, Lisa! I went to bed early last night too. Have to walk the talk…
UGh, this first holiday season home has left me EXHAUSTED! It’s great to be around family and all, but a part of me is longing to be far, far away where there are less expectations of me!!!
So, I shall take a nap, drink a glass of water and continue not to wear my shoes all day today. Thanks babe. :D
You’re welcome, babe. Please give yourself some grace as you’re building a human being this Christmas season too :)
I already prefer to stay barefoot as much as possible, I’m working on the drinking more water bit, but getting more sleep is slightly more difficult – as much as I love sleeping. Why is it easier to sleep late and stay in bed longer when it’s just as simple to get to bed earlier and wake up earlier? Sigh!
I love the song you’ve shared today. It’s beautiful!
I agree. Getting more sleep is difficult for me too. It seems at the end of the day once my child is tucked in, I feel that’s when I have time to get to all the things I didn’t get done during the day. Inevitably, I work too late and miss those precious hours of rest. May have to instill a curfew on myself. Whatever it is, as my friend Corey says, “It’ll keep.”
I love kicking my shoes off every chance I get! Especially on long drives. I don’t wear them at home due to light-colored carpet, so I’m not accustomed to shoes.
Thanks for the de-stressing tips!
You’re welcome. Thanks for reading!